Autonomous Vehicles in

California

Stephanie DoughertyCalifornia DMV

NHTSA defines four levels of autonomous vehicles• Level 0 – No automation• Level 1 – Function specific automation• Level 2 – Combined function automation• Level 3 – Limited self-driving automation• Level 4 – Full self-driving automation

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has similar definitions, although five levels

California Legislation – Senate Bill 1298

As soon as practicable, but no later than Jan. 1, 2015, DMV must adopt regulations setting forth requirements for:

• Manufacturers’ testing of autonomous vehicles on public roadways

• Operation of autonomous vehicles on public roadways

Senate Bill 1298 Statewide Steering Committee– California State Transportation Agency– California Department of Insurance– California Highway Patrol– California Office of Traffic Safety– California Department of Transportation– California Department of Motor Vehicles– National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

• Public workshops and meetings• Nissan • Volvo • VW Group• Chrysler • GM • Toyota• Honda • Google • Bosch

• Potential traffic safety improvements are significant

• Autonomous vehicle technology advancing quickly– NHTSA Level 2 autonomous vehicles available now– NHTSA Level 3 autonomous vehicles being tested now– No industry agreement on NHTSA Level 4 timetable

• Philosophical differences− Driver is essential to vehicle operations− Vehicle operations fully autonomous

• Several key challenges will need to be addressed as the technology is further developed and deployed

Regulatory Package 1• Submission of evidence of insurance• Operator training and qualifications• Data collection requirements• Adopted on May 19, 2014; Effective on September 16, 2014

Regulatory Package 2• Testing requirements• Safety standards• Operator license requirements• Vehicle registration requirements• Other feasible regulations• Target date of December 2014

Questions